Based on the insights from Wall Street Oasis, securing an internship at MBB (McKinsey, Bain, and BCG) as a sophomore from a non-target school requires strategic planning and a focus on internships that will build a compelling profile. Given your experience with a wealth management (WM) internship at a middle-market (MM) bank and a search fund internship, you're on a promising path. Here are some internships and strategies to consider:

  1. Corporate Strategy Internships: Look for internships in corporate strategy within Fortune 500 companies. These positions offer exposure to strategic decision-making processes and align well with the consulting work you would do at MBB.

  2. Consulting Internships at Boutique Firms: While securing a spot at MBB might be highly competitive, gaining experience at smaller consulting firms can still be valuable. It demonstrates your interest in consulting and helps you develop relevant skills.

  3. Leadership Development Programs (LDPs): Many large corporations offer summer LDPs that are designed to develop future leaders. These programs often involve working on strategic projects and can provide a solid foundation for a career in consulting.

  4. Research Positions: Since you've already secured a research grant related to M&A, further research positions, especially those with a focus on business or economics, can strengthen your analytical skills.

  5. Networking and Mentorship: Beyond internships, actively engage in networking. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni and professionals at MBB. Seek mentorship through platforms like Wall Street Oasis, where you can find individuals willing to share insights and advice.

  6. Case Competitions and Extracurriculars: Participate in case competitions to hone your problem-solving skills and demonstrate your ability to work in teams. Leadership roles in relevant extracurricular activities can also bolster your resume.

Remember, MBB firms value diverse experiences that showcase problem-solving skills, leadership, and a strong academic record. Tailor your internship applications to highlight how your experiences align with these qualities.

Sources: Did my GPA screw up my application?, Q&A: From Non-Target to Coverage IB at BB, Q&A: 1st Year Analyst at MM IB, Non-Target to MM IB: My Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/internship-for-sophomore-year?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Best ones are either highly prestigious ones e.g. BB/EB IBD or T2 strategy consulting. Next best is similar work to strategy consulting but in-house, so corporate strategy at a F500. Other ones that could be good are start-ups (lot of transferable skills + chance to have a real impact) or just something interesting like working for the government

 

Obviously you can get good answers here (other consulting firms, IB, startups, etc.) but you could probably get a more clear idea of the exact jobs if you went on LinkedIn and looked at the profiles of people who are incoming FT and those who have been there 0-2 years

I would say the best thing you can get would be a solid internship at a name brand company because it gives your resume some credibility if you were able to get a job at a place it is known to be hard to get a job at

 

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